New Report Shows Trend Toward Larger Offshore Wind Systems

October 30, 2013

The Energy Department on October 23 released a new report showing progress for the U.S. offshore wind energy market in 2012, including the completion of two commercial lease auctions for federal Wind Energy Areas and 11 commercial-scale U.S. projects. The 11 projects represent over 3,800 megawatts (MW) of capacity reaching an advanced stage of development. Further, the report highlights global trends toward building offshore turbines in deeper waters and using larger, more efficient turbines in offshore wind farms, increasing the amount of electricity delivered to consumers.

This year’s U.S. Offshore Wind Market and Economic Analysis, authored by the Navigant Consortium for the Energy Department, builds on last year’s report, providing additional information on offshore wind’s potential to add to U.S. electricity capacity and create jobs, as well as outlining policy developments that influence the sector. The offshore wind market assessment report will be updated and published annually for a three-year period, providing stakeholders with a reliable and consistent data source. See the Energy Department progress alert.